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MONTREAL -- Phil Kessel got his wish to make it a long stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nick Shore Jersey . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. The deal has a salary cap hit of $8 million per season. It begins in 2014-15 and runs through the 2021-22 season. "Ill be on the hook for some team dinners here or there, but I dont mind," Kessel said at a news conference before Tuesday nights season opener at Montreal. "I always wanted to be (in Toronto). "This is the place I want to play. I want to finish my career here. Its a great city, the organizations unbelievable, and Im really excited to continue here." The contract includes a limited no-trade clause. Kessel has one season left on his previous deal at $5.4 million. General manager Dave Nonis said negotiations started last week when Kessel, who could have become an unrestricted free agent next July, told him he wanted to remain a Leaf. "There werent negotiations early in camp," said Nonis. "I wanted to hear him tell me he wanted to be a Toronto Maple Leaf and once he did, we were able to work quickly and reach an agreement." Kessel reportedly wanted either to sign a deal before the season or wait until the summer. The speedy right-winger had 20 goals and 52 points in 48 games last season. He has 379 points (185-194) in 504 regular-season games over seven seasons with Toronto and Boston. The six-foot, 202-pound native of Madison, Wis., has 21 points (13-8) in 22 career playoff games. He had four goals, including two game-winners, in Torontos seven-game, first-round playoff loss to the Bruins last season. "I think Phil made some great strides in that series," Nonis said. "He had a great year. Hes had several great years. Thats the one thing I think people overlook." Kessel also played for the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The two-time all-star, who will turn 26 on Wednesday, was drafted by the Bruins with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He was dealt to Toronto four years ago for two first-round picks and a second-round selection. The Bruins used the picks to draft Tyler Seguin, Dougie Hamilton and Jared Knight. This summer, Seguin was sent to Dallas in a multi-player deal that sent Loui Eriksson to Boston. The Kessel deal was widely seen as a coup for Boston, but Nonis said the Leafs have no regrets. "Were happy with Phil and weve always been happy with his production," he said. "You forget how young a player he was when he got here. "Hes got a lot of quality years ahead of him. Thats why we were very comfortable going to a eight-year term with him." Not one to enjoy the spotlight, Kessels quiet demeanour has sometimes been taken for aloofness, something Nonis vigorously denies. "The one knock that Phil had on him, that I think was totally unfair, is that he wasnt a great teammate," Nonis said. "Thats completely untrue. "Hes quiet, maybe hes not outgoing as some of the people in a Canadian market would like, but hes a great teammate. Hes well liked by everybody in our room." Forward Joffrey Lupul, who is also signed to a long-term deal with the Leafs, applauded the signing. "Obviously, everyones excited," said Lupul. "Hes certainly our most talented player and his games come a long way since Ive been here. "Ive got to see him involved as a player and as a person and its nothing but good news to have him locked up long term." Lupul is signed for the next five seasons at $5.25 million per year. Toronto also recently signed free agent David Clarkson for seven years at $5.52 million annually along with centre Tyler Bozak for five years with a $4.2-million annual cap hit. There are several other players due to become unrestricted free agents next July, including team captain Dion Phaneuf. Nonis said he would look at getting other players signed, but was in no hurry. "We address everybody individually," he said. "I wouldnt say were going to have a monthly announcement on signing free agents." Kessel was suspended for the final three games of the pre-season after he slashed Buffalo Sabres tough guy John Scott in a game last month. The Leafs also said Tuesday that James Reimer will start in goal against the Canadiens, with off-season acquisition Jonathan Bernier as his backup. "Its good,"said Reimer. "You always want to be the guy that starts it off." When the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season began in January, Reimer was passed over for the opening night starting job in favour of Ben Scrivens. Wayne Gretzky Jersey . Perhaps their first trip to the city of Winnipeg in 16 years can serve as the shakeup they need. Mike Cammalleri Jersey . A night later, he was back to help lead a rout of the Detroit Pistons. John Wall had 20 points and 11 assists, and Beal scored 10 of his 15 points during the second quarter as Washington pulled away for a 106-82 victory on Saturday. http://www.officialkingshockey.com/Jonny-Brodzinski-Jersey/ .Y. - Phil Varone was the lone scorer in the shootout as the Rochester Americans edged the Toronto Marlies 3-2 on Sunday in American Hockey League action.Remi Garde left Aston Villa by mutual consent on Tuesday after just 147 days in charge, but who will be the man to succeed him? That decision comes down to the Aston Villa board, which in the last three months has experienced a major re-shuffle that has led to the departures of chief executive Tom Fox and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt.So with some new faces entering the doors of Aston Villas dedicated football boardroom, who will be responsible for appointing Remi Gardes successor? We take a look at five of the key figures. Steve Hollis Aston Villa chairman Steve Hollis has expressed his concerns on how the club spent their transfer funds in the summer A Manchester City fan with an accountancy background, Hollis has held numerous high-profile roles for KPMG in the Middle East, Far East, USA and Europe before taking on the role of Aston Villa chairman in January this year.He is also the current vice-chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.Hollis told Sky Sports News HQ that he has been frustrated at the clubs transfer spending over the last few years and that things need to be fixed before big money is spent again.Whoever does take charge of Villa should not expect to receive too much to play with next season.Mervyn King Mervyn King has joined Aston Villa as a director Aston Villa announced the appointment of Lord King of Lothbury, the former Bank of England Governor, to its board of directors on February 4.The 67-year-old is known as a life-long Villa supporter and says he has been attending matches for over 55 years.Villa chairman Hollis said of his appointment: Mervyn successfully steered the Bank of England through the most turbulent economic headwinds in living memory.His appointment to the board is a huge boost as we plan our path back to more successful times. Who will be next Villa boss? Leading contenders to replace Remi Garde, according to Sky Bets odds. Adrian Kempe Jersey . David BernsteinBernstein became chairman of the FA in 2011, alongside the same role he filled for Wembley Stadium Limited since 2008.Before that, Bernstein joined Manchester City in 1994 as a board member then became chairman in 1998. He was widely respected by Manchester City supporters for bringing stability to the club, leaving in 2010.The Aston Villa role is his first with one club since. He told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club must be cautious of thinking too short-term if they are relegated.If we are thinking short-term or long-term, then it has to be a little bit of both, he said. We have to mix sensible short-term thinking and long-term planning. We cant be too short-termist, but on the other hand we cant be thinking five years ahead because a lot will happen in the next year or two.Adrian Bevington Adrian Bevington used to be the director of communications for the FA Bevington is well known in the world of football mainly for his time working with the England team in his old role as Club England managing director.He spent 17 years at the FA, holding a media role before taking on the position of head of media then director of communications.Since leaving his role in 2015, Bevington has helped the Welsh FA plan their operations for Euro 2016 and also assisted Watford with a communications plan ahead of their return to the Premier League.He was appointed to the Aston Villa board on March 29 and will work closely once again with David Bernstein.Brian Little Brian Little is the last Aston Villa manager to win a major trophy Little is a former Aston Villa player and manager who was appointed as an advisor to the board on March 11.The former Villa striker spent his entire playing career at the club from 1970 to 1980, scoring 60 goals in 247 appearances.Little was Villa manager and led them to the League Cup in 1996, the clubs last piece of major silverware. Earlier this year, he was appointed Jersey manager until the end of the season.He won 68 of his 164 games in charge of the Birmingham club between 1994 and 1998, and also took charge of West Brom, Stoke and Leicester during his managerial career.Little is highly respected among Villa fans, and his knowledge of football management should mean his input is vital when the club select their new manager. Also See: Who will be next Villa boss? Garde leaves Aston Villa Bevington handed Villa role Sherwood sacking a mistake Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
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